Good management and the right technology helps the climate

Technical measurements like e.g. biofilter cannot separate methane and nitrous oxide therefore the aim should be to avoid these gases during composting.

Besides methane and nitrous oxide ammonia causes an indirect climate relevant effect as it is transformed to nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide from the treatment of biowaste can be classified as climate neutral as it can only emit the amount of carbon dioxide that the composted green plants consume from the environment.

The study analysed the emissions total carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, ammonia and non-methane volatile organic compounds. The results of the comparison of different composting processes are shown in the figure.

Fundamental to avoid climate relevant gas emissions is among all the management of the aerobic rotting process. Required for this are a favourable C/N ratio, sufficient water content, the dimension and shape of the rotting heap, a corresponding structure material portion, active aeration, the turning processes for sufficient homogenization and the control of the rotting temperatures.